Your very own galaxy _{by Alessia Belsito-Riera}

Inspired by the far reaches of the infinite universe, alieNZ have touched down in Wellington.

The brightly hued, intricately designed, and meticulously handcrafted three-dimensional alien heads originate from the mind of Kapiti-based creative Russell Woodley, who describes them as “cyborg things – part biological, part mechanical”.

“Integrating components of both technology and biology – and utilising everyday objects – no two are identical. Each head stands alone as a truly fascinating one-off bespoke piece,” he says.

Woodley came up with the idea here on Earth when he happened across a skull that he wasn’t able to identify.

“I had the idea to add some clay to it to see what it could be, but I never got round to doing that,” he says. “However, it did inspire me. I thought ‘Let’s make an alien! It could be an alien skull’. I knew it wasn’t, of course, but it did inspire me to start these things. It has become something of an obsession!”

Now, he has brought more than 60 to life in vivid colours that are sure to delight any sci-fi fan or eccentric art aficionado. With no moulds used in the process, every creation is unique and named after a different galaxy.

“It takes about two days to make each one. I make them from the inside out. The last thing to go on is the paint. I put the eyes on when I'm covering with the clay,” Woodley explains. “The clay that I use you can paint straight away; you don’t have to wait for it to dry. And then you get the whole complete thing in one colour, basically. I do use other colours as well but getting the paint on them is what I can’t wait to do. I use really good paint and tiny brushes because I really want to be part of it. I don't use sprays or anything. I go to the little shops at rubbish tips and look at objects that basically don't mean anything much to anybody and just put them on the heads.”

Woodley says that his target audience is young people first and foremost, though his alieNZ would appeal to anyone searching for an interesting conversation piece for their desk, lounge, office, or anywhere indoors.

“They’re shocking and funny and not meant to be beautiful. I don't think they're pretty by any means,” Woodley laughs.

With the alieNZ website still under construction, the best way to get your hands on one of these Kapiti-made creatures is by contacting Woodley directly at alienz2025@outlook.com.

“It’s just a passion, I love it,” the artist beams. “An alien probably doesn’t look like that, but it’s what I would imagine. Funnily enough, I've never seen an alien, never seen a UFO, even though I’ve looked… but I do believe in them.”